Arkia to add 2 more Boeing 787s

The move follows El Al’s announcement that it will buy two Dreamliners.

Arkia Airlines Ltd.) plans to buy two more Boeing 787 Dreamliners in addition to the two planes it already bought a few months ago. Each 787 costs $150 million.

Arkia chairman Rafi Harlev announced the purchase during the airline’s ceremony to mark the transition to the 787. Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA) unveiled the Dreamliner at a ceremony in Washington earlier this week.

Harlev said that Arkia would use the new plane on its New York and Bangkok routes, as well as to European destinations. Arkia currently operates charter flights on these routes. Arkia owner Avi Nakash has said in the past that he plans to ask the Ministry of Transport for designated carrier status for these routes. The application will reportedly be made soon.

Arkia will receive its first two 787s in 2012, and the next two planes the following year.

El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. (TASE: ELAL) chairman Israel (Izzy) Borovich announced earlier this week that the airline will buy two 787s.

The Boeing 787 is considered the world’s most advanced airline. The company will begin deliveries in 2008, and already has orders for 650 planes.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on July 10, 2007

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2007

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